What is the basis for creating and following laws in the U.S.?

The U.S. Constitution serves as the supreme law of the land and provides the foundational framework for the creation and implementation of laws in the United States. It establishes the structure of the government, delineates the powers of each branch, and outlines the rights of both the government and the individuals. By establishing guidelines on how laws should be made and enforced, the Constitution ensures that there is a legal basis for governance and protects the rule of law.

While the Declaration of Independence articulates the values and principles of liberty and justice, it does not serve as a legal document that establishes laws. The Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, specifically outlines individual rights and limitations on government power but is part of the larger framework established by the Constitution itself. The Federalist Papers provide important commentary and justification for the Constitution's provisions but are not laws themselves. Thus, the U.S. Constitution is the primary source that governs law-making and the legal system in the country.